Drivers of taxis and private hire vehicles designated by the local licensing authority as being wheelchair accessible must comply with the requirements of Section 165 of the Equality Act 2010. This is unless they have been issued with an exemption certificate. Further details are available below.
For more information, please contact Customer Services.
Approved vehicles
The following vehicles are approved by the council (the Licensing Authority) to be licensed as Hackney Carriage Vehicles:
- LTI
- TX1
- TX2
- TX4
- LEVC TX
- Metro Triple T
- Mercedes-Benz Vito
- Peugeot E7 SE and XS short wheelbase models
Vehicles offered for Hackney Carriage are constructed in a way as to allow the carriage of disabled persons and will accommodate as a minimum a disabled person.
Hackney Vehicles can be accessed from the taxi ranks which can be viewed on the city centre map. Private hire companies also operate non designated wheelchair accessible vehicles, please contact a local operator.
Exemptions for taxi drivers
The Equality Act allows for exemptions from the duties on medical grounds or if the driver's physical condition makes it impossible or unreasonably difficult for him or her to comply with these duties.
It is the responsibility of drivers who require an exemption to apply for one by contacting for an application form to be sent to you.
When submitting your completed form, you will be required to provide evidence from your Medical Practitioner supporting your application and substantiating the medical reasons applicable to your request.
Based on the evidence provided we will determine if a you should be exempted from these duties. If approved, we will issue you with an Exemption Certificate, and an Exemption Notice to display prominently in the vehicle.
Your application will be determined by the Licensing Manager, and if successful you will be issued with the relevant Exemption Certificate and the Exemption Notice to display within the vehicle.
You can appeal to the magistrates' court within 28 days if we decide not to issue you with an Exemption Certificate.